Gwaii Trust Youth Board

ABOUT

In 2012 the Gwaii Trust Society initiated a program for the youth on Haida Gwaii. With the addition of this new program, the Board decided that a Youth Board of Directors would be created to make recommendations on application approvals, look at programing policies from a youth perspective and to provide mentorship opportunities for youth.

During the COVID19 pandemic youth board members, staff, and members of the Gwaii Trust Board of Directors,
held islands-wide meetings through videoconference.

The Gwaii Trust Youth Board represents 8 communities on Haida Gwaii (2 members per community):

  1. Graham Island North
  2. Graham Island Central
  3. Graham Island South
  4. Area E (Moresby including Sandspit)
  5. Old Massett Village Council
  6. Skidegate Band Council
  7. CHN Old Massett
  8. CHN Skidegate
OUR MISSION

The Gwaii Trust Youth Board will promote quality youth programming and a vibrant youth community network.

OUR VISION

The Gwaii Trust Youth Board advocates and supports an Islands community that increases opportunities for all island youth through: 

  • Inclusiveness
  • Infinite, relevant possibilities for youth
  • Unified experiences
  • Collaboration
OUR VALUES
  • Respect: listening and valuing youth voice
  • Collaboration: working together to increase opportunities for youth
  • Leadership: promoting youth leadership development 
  • Equality: reducing barriers to participate
OUR GOALS
  • Minimize barriers to youth participation in all Island communities
  • Build relationships and communicate with existing youth groups and organizations
  • Support expansion of low-cost drop in opportunities
  • Support youth gatherings and youth gathering places
  • Provide opportunities for teens and children
  • Support expansion of youth programs to include sports, culture, arts and outdoor activities

In addition, the Youth Board agree to support the Gwaii Trust Society Board’s goals for the youth, through the following youth action plans:

Strive for high school graduation rate of 100% by supporting:

  • Alternative programming
  • Trades courses and mentorships
  • Relevant work experience programs 
  • Development of programs to foster practical, real life skills amongst youth 
  • Dual credit programs

See a list of our current Youth Board members.

Interested in Joining Our Youth Board?

The Gwaii Trust Youth Board is for people between the ages of 13-21 who have an interest in youth initiatives, are willing to read and discuss funding applications, and are available for between four to six meetings a year.

Joining our youth board connects you with other youth, allows you to help make our communities stronger, and looks great on your resume or scholarship application.

You will be paid an honorarium for your time, and also receive a generous technology allowance after successfully completing one full term.

Terms for youth board members are one year and run from October to September. Based on vacancy we recruit new members in August and September of each year.

For the 2024/2025 term, we have one opening for each of the following seats:

  • Graham Island North
  • CHN Skidegate
  • CHN Old Massett
  • Graham Island South

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please contact latasha.williams@gwaiitrust.com or call/text 250 626 7613.

Deadline to apply: October 1, 2024